Tobias Glen, a six-acre vineyard, is tucked away in a classic Russian River Valley setting: a small, secluded valley bordered by a mature oak and fir forest. The owners, artist Randolph Johnson and his wife Roz, revere the natural beauty of their land and place the care of this small gem in the hands of the respected Robledo family.
Located just down the road from Merry’s home in Forestville, the southeast-facing vineyard is the coldest site from which she sources Pinot Noir. Not surprising, Tobias Glen grapes are the last to be harvested each vintage. The vines are an ideal, cool region mixture of Dijon clones 113, 114, 115, and 777. The soil type is the Franciscan Complex.
The vineyard was named after Randolph’s grandfather, Tobias. So the story goes, when the Johnson family purchased the property, they found a dog already ensconced on site, protecting the land from wild animals – deer, bobcats and the like. They named their canine guardian Tobias and now his children, Sam & Bella, protect the vineyard in the tradition of their sire.
Charmed by the grapes’ distinctive, blueberry flavors and rich, full tannin structure, Merry first purchased the fruit in 2003. She then began working with the owners to revitalize and balance vine vigor with the application of organic mushroom compost and the selection of a responsive vineyard manager. Merry created the first vineyard designated wine from the 2004 vintage.